Embracing Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Canadian Post-Secondary System

In recent years, embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) into the Canadian post-secondary sector has become a priority, driven, in part, by the expectations of the federal funding agencies with regard to research and through demands for increased accessibility, fairness and inclusion, by under-represented communities (e.g. the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report). Within the research community, a full understanding of sex and gender+ based analyses (SGBA+) and EDI is now expected as a core competency, although relatively little training in theory or application has generally been provided to researchers. Identifying and removing systemic, structural, organizational and institutional barriers to full EDI in academia will require a systems approach, with context-dependent interventions at various levels and, especially, an increased responsibility and accountability of those who have traditionally held much of the balance of power in the academy.